Kumasi

Kumasi is the capital of the Ashanti Region in southern Ghana. It is the country’s second-largest city and serves as a major commercial, cultural, and historical center.

Historically, Kumasi was the capital of the Ashanti Empire and remains closely associated with Ashanti heritage. The city is home to the Manhyia Palace, the ceremonial residence of the Asantehene, and the Golden Stool, a sacred symbol of the Ashanti nation.

Geography and climate: Kumasi lies inland from the Gulf of Guinea, roughly 250 kilometers northwest of Accra, on a plateau. The climate is tropical savanna, with a pronounced wet season and a relatively dry season.

Economy and institutions: Kumasi functions as a key commercial hub with a large market economy. Kejetia Market is one of West Africa’s largest market complexes and anchors the central business district. The city is known for crafts, textiles, woodcarving, and the gold trade. It hosts several higher education institutions, most notably the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Kumasi Technical University.

Transport: The city is connected by road and rail networks to Accra and other towns, reinforcing its role as a regional transport hub and a gateway to southern Ghana.

Culture and events: Kumasi remains central to Ashanti rituals and traditions, with regular festivals such as Akwasidae and Odwira contributing to the city’s cultural life. Visitors can explore traditional crafts, markets, and historical sites around the city and Manhyia.